Flag Raising and National Anthem Allowed: Russia and Belarus Return to International Aquatic Competitions
The World Aquatics (formerly known as FINA) has fully lifted restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus — they can now compete in swimming, diving, water polo, high diving, and synchronized swimming events with their national flags raised and national anthems played.
The eligibility condition is passing at least four consecutive anti-doping tests. At the same time, the federation has restored the full membership status of both Russia and Belarus.
This marks another step forward for Russian athletes returning to international competition, with the process clearly accelerating.
For Russian Minister of Sport and President of the Russian Olympic Committee Mikhail Degtyarev, this decision by World Aquatics confirms the path he has championed since assuming both roles. Degtyarev, a close ally of the Rotenberg Group, sees his achievements in sports as reflecting the success of the group itself.
Russian Aquatics Federation Chairman Dmitry Mazepin also scores a personal victory: his sport has secured competition clearance, and Mazepin’s appointment to this position was directly supported by Degtyarev.
President Alexander Lukashenko likewise gains political dividends: Belarusian athletes now return to the international sporting stage under the same conditions as their Russian counterparts.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862770947235980/
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